Parker’s no rush to confirm next fight

The team handling WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker is in no rush to confirm his next fight, as they court offers from around the world.

The team handling WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker is in no rush to confirm his next fight, as they court offers from around the world.

Parker’s short-term future is the subject of continued speculation, with Duco hoping he’ll be back in the ring early April.

With Anthony Joshua, Wladimir Klitschko, Deontay Wilder and David Haye all unavailable during that time-frame, three favourites have emerged: Hughie Fury (cousin of Tyson and ranked number two by the WBO), Jarrell Miller (number four 4) and David Price (number six).

In the last 24 hours, Price tweeted his interest in fighting Parker and Duco have confirmed negotiations are ongoing with numerous parties, but only if the deal is right.

Top Rank CEO Bob Arum is a partner in the Parker team, helping them stateside. And Duco Events owner David Higgins told Newshub they’re prepared to play the waiting game.

“Whether we target the UK first or the United States, we don’t know yet. We’d also like to fight in New Zealand but would need to raise enough sponsorship to make it possible,” Higgins said.

“It depends what the deal is and what’s best for Team Parker. Joseph fighting Fury would make him a bigger name in the UK… but Price is a big name and stacks up as a credible opponent.”